Album Review: Duff McKagan - Tenderness

A la his Guns N’ Roses colleague Slash, bassist Duff McKagan isn’t letting a little prospect such as participating in one of the highest-grossing rock tours of all time impede his desire to create material outside of that stadium-dominating world.

The top-hatted one has stayed within certain parameters in his solo endeavours, and one could conceivably expect something similar from McKagan too, given his extracurricular activities in recent times (Walking Papers, Loaded) were rooted in punk and hard rock.

Instead, the aforementioned, mega-successful global jaunt has provided the subject matter for something else entirely. Armed with an acoustic guitar while on the road, McKagan converted observations on topics like homelessness, school shootings, drugs and #MeToo into songs that stylistically channel the likes of Mark Lanegan and Greg Dulli. The acoustic-laden opening title track sets the tone; a ballad aided by piano flourishes, it flirts with soul, country and dashes of ‘70s rock. At times Tenderness can feel a tad one-paced or laboured, indulgent or dour even. But overall there’s an earnestness to the performances that proves engaging, McKagan’s almost Jagger-like singing on occasion fleshed out by touches such as horn sections and lush backing vocals. A standout is Feel, a heartfelt ode to fallen comrades like Cornell, Bennington and Weiland. Meanwhile, memorable Breaking Rocks and folky, violin-laced Chip Away are winners.

Although there are more immediate moments, Tenderness often proves a grower that requires a degree of investment from the listener.